Let's Play Maths: learning about maths through physical activities

The children involved in the project attend Dunard Nursery Class or are in Primary 1 at Dunard Primary School.

Aims of the project

The project first started using play as a vehicle to promote smooth transitions for pupils transferring from nursery to primary. Last year the children were given a range of learning opportunities through large motor skills play in the gym and further varied activities in the playroom. This was very successful and the transition from nursery to primary has been smooth and well-informed.

You can read more about the play programme in another case study: Nursery and P1 collaborative play programme.

Moving the project forward

Recently one of the nursery staff attended a course on ‘Let’s Play Maths’ where physical activities are used as a context for learning about maths. The principal teacher and nursery staff decided to use this as a way to move the project forward.

The aims of the project are now:

• to promote smooth transitions from nursery to Primary 1 for the children
• to provide fun, physical play opportunities that develop children’s maths skills
• to ensure a continued close working relationship between nursery and primary staff.

Key areas being addressed from The Child at the Centre are:

• 2.1 Children’s Experiences
• 5.1 The Curriculum
• 5.2 Teaching for Effective Learning.